Viral Airwaves

by Claudie Arseneault

  Stern had somehow inherited the ‘official’ command of the White Renegade’s rebels—like there was really anything like that left—and spent his days answering questions and requests from government agents, lawyers, and media alike. He’d had help from Mayor Riley and, as soon as he got out of the hospital, from Joshua, but he couldn’t just leave for a whole month. Not so soon.

  “Let’s go,” Vermen said.

  He climbed into the back of the truck with a final wave to David. Andeal, Maniel and Alex followed, exchanging their goodbyes, and every time someone disappeared into the car Henry’s heart shriveled a little more. He grabbed Treysh’s hand and squeezed it, tightening his grip as the car drove away. She turned to him and whispered, “You know I brought a small firework in my pack, right?”

  “Really?” Why did he ask? Of course she had. “Quick, before they’re out of sight!”

  It was silly and illegal and he didn’t care in the least. They planted the long blue rocket in the ground with childish giggles, ignored Lungvist’s protests, and scratched the matches in one big dramatic movement. Henry’s hand stayed over Treysh’s as they brought it to the fuse.

  “Remember when we hijacked the radio the first time?” Henry asked. “I thought you were wild.”

  “You were right.”

  “Well, don’t ever stop.”

  The rocket launched before they scrambled back, singeing their eyebrows and drawing excited laughter from Treysh. It burst high into the sky, showering bright green particles all around and drawing an appreciative ‘ooh’ from Joshua. Henry remained sitting, his fingers brushing against the grass and his neck bent backward as he appreciated the explosive send-off. Stars were beginning to shine and the sky to the west was ablaze, reminding Henry of the many sunsets he’d shared, flying with Andeal.

  One day, he promised himself, he would also return to the skies.

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  Well, here we are. I published my first book, and there are so many people that encouraged me through this project, it’s hard to know whom to thank first.

  Truth is, there probably isn’t enough thanks in the world for Brenda. She gave this book not only her undying love, but also her considerable editing talent. You are amazing, and without your help this story wouldn’t be the same.

  Many thanks to Sommer, Caitlin, Tricia, Robin and Sheila, for the writerly advice and encouragements, and to Matt for believing in this project and helping me bring it to the world.

  And now, because it wouldn’t feel right to do this in English…

  Milles merci aussi à Marianne, Eric, Audrey et Jonathan, pour avoir suivi avec autant d’attention les développements de mes histoires, et s’exciter avec moi sur la moindre nouvelle idée. Vous êtes à bien des égards responsables de la profondeur de ces personnages et de ma persévérance.

  Dans la même veine, un grand merci à la communauté NaNoWriMo de Québec, pour leur énergie et leur humour. Votre jus créatif sera toujours impressionnant. Vous êtes trop nombreux pour tous être nommés, mais une mention toute spéciale à Alexandra, avec qui le tout premier germe de cette histoire est né, un soir d’Octobre à déconner.

  Merci également à ma famille, pour son support constant et varié—à ma mère qui insiste continuellement pour lire mes histoires, à Gabrielle pour la fabuleuse couverture, à Catherine pour les séances d’écriture.

  Finalement, merci à Eric (encore) pour son amour et son endurance—pour avoir su faire de la place dans sa vie non seulement pour moi, mais pour le nombre incalculable de personnages qui vivent tous les jours dans ma tête et dans nos discussions.

  WANT MORE?

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  Find more at claudiearseneault.com

  Looking for great reads featuring ace spectrum characters and dystopian governments?

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  Chameleon Moon by RoAnna Sylver

  The city of Parole is burning. Like Venice slips into the sea, Parole crumbles into fire.

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  Nadin’s planet is dying. As its atmosphere drains away, her people are forced to live huddled in domed cities for protection. With only enough resources to support the population for one more year, time is running out. Nadin thinks she’s found a way to save Iamos, but it will mean defying the planet’s rulers, the geroi—and betraying the geroi could cost her everything.

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  Celosia Brennan was supposed to be a hero. After a spectacular failure that cost her people their freedom, she is offered a once-in-a-lifetime chance at redemption. Together with a gifted team of rebels, she not only sets her sights on freedom, but defeating her personal demons along the way.

  Now branded a failure, Celosia desperately volunteers for the next mission: taking down the corrupt Council with a team of her fellow elementally gifted mages. Leading the Ember Operative gives Celosia her last hope at redemption. They seek to overthrow the Council once and for all, this time bringing the fight to Valeria, the largest city under the Council’s iron grip. But Celosia’s new teammates don’t trust her—except for Ianthe, a powerful Ice Elementalist who happens to believe in second chances.

  With Council spies, uncontrolled magic, and the distraction of unexpected love, Celosia will have to win the trust of her teammates and push her abilities
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